Crime & Safety

Ellicott City Fire Causes $900K in Damage, 1 Person Escaped

A fire engulfed a two-story house on Ellis Lane overnight while the residents were away on vacation, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. A house sitter made it out without injury.

A caller allerted the fire department at about 11 p.m. Saturday with fears that children were trapped in the house but no one was found inside, officials said. It was discovered that the residents were away on vacation and a house sitter was at home but made it to safety.

Flames were seen shooting through the roof. 

Some 37 fire units from Howard and Baltimore counties brought the fire under control shortly before midnight, officials said in a news release.

The damage to the house is estimated at $900,000 with some siding on the exterior of one of the neighboring houses damaged as well, HCDFRS said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.



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